‘Make your day different’ on National Living Life Day

It’s National Living Life Day on August 25, a day where everyone in Scotland is being encouraged to make small changes to their routine for better mental health.

Whether it’s through exercise, relaxation, or time with family and friends, taking some time out to do something you enjoy can have real benefits for your emotional wellbeing.

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator of NHS Living Life, the service which is leading the initiative said: “It’s easy to neglect your mental health and find yourself in a bit of a rut. Simple activities like taking a lunchtime walk or finding time for a coffee with a friend can help put everyday problems in perspective and help you regain your emotional balance.”

National Living Life Day will also raise awareness of NHS Living Life, a free service providing over-the-phone therapy for anyone in Scotland experiencing mild to moderate stress or anxiety.

Maureen Watt, Minister for Mental Health said: “As Scotland’s first dedicated Mental Health Minister I’m delighted to support this year’s Living Life Day.

“Scotland should be proud of our commitment to improving mental health. Its visibility and awareness has substantially risen in the nation over the last decade. There is better public awareness of mental illness and the sources of help.

“NHS Living Life is a tremendous service that helps thousands of people every year. For anyone experiencing stress or anxiety, it gives them the chance to talk about their feelings and get some practical advice on how to cope. This service is one of the many steps the Scottish Government is taking to improve Scotland’s mental health, reducing the number of people who develop more serious illnesses.”

To find out more about NHS Living Life visit www.livinglife.scot, or phone 0800 328 9655 (lines are open Mon-Fri, 1pm-9pm). Follow @NHS24 to find out what’s happening across the country for #LLDay